The Carroll Cougars will face off against the Pioneer Panthers at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.
Carroll might be feeling deja-vu: they lost 9-6 to Rochester, which was the same score (and result) they got the week prior. The Cougars have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Owen Zinn and Travis Tinsman did some serious damage despite the final result: Zinn went 3-for-4 with one home run and two runs, while Tinsman went 2-for-4 with one home run and two RBI. That home run was Zinn's first of the season. Another player making a difference was Coy Lytle, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Pioneer suffered their closest defeat since May 22, 2024 on Saturday. They fell just short of North Judson-San Pierre by a score of 11-9.
Brodie Howard was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over four innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with one run.
In other batting news, Eli Guffey was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-4 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Blake Rogers was another key player, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with two runs.
Pioneer's loss dropped their record down to 6-8. As for Carroll, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-11.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Carroll has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .439. However, it's not like Pioneer struggles in that department as they've averaged .442. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Everything went Carroll's way against Pioneer in their previous matchup back in April of 2017, as Carroll made off with an 11-1 win. Do the Cougars have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Panthers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
